But there are signs Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents might be taking a different stance on the issue.

In early February, Guadalupe García de Rayos, an undocumented immigrant who's a mother of two, was arrested when she went to check in with U.S. immigration officials — something she had done at least once a year for about eight years.

Both have faced criminal charges in the past — de Rayos for criminal impersonation and Pacheco for drunk driving — but neither one is part of any known criminal enterprise.

Kelly also promised McAuliffe the administration would "absolutely not" undo the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which prevents the government from deporting children brought into the country illegally.

President Trump is expected to sign a new executive order on immigration later this week. It's a replacement for an earlier executive order that has been put on ice by the courts.